Identifying Limiting Beliefs

March 25, 2018

Identifying Limiting Beliefs

The 7 most common limiting beliefs that might be holding you back and how to overcome them.

A lot of people focus on ‘positive thinking’, but in order to think positive thoughts and to renew our mind, we must identify the limiting beliefs we have formed. If you don’t believe right, you will not be able to think positive thoughts consistently.

We all have limiting beliefs that prevent us from going after what we want in life. Whether its a dream, a goal, pursuing a new career path, a new passion, a new relationship, a new lifestyle or a new adventure. We give up so easily because we tell ourselves it is impossible, or we are aiming too high.

Why? What happens right after we think or imagine something amazing for ourselves? Why don’t we take action?

Right after that thought, self-doubt and fear creep in, do these seem familiar: “What if I fail? What will the world think of me? What if I get rejected? What makes me so deserving to have a good life?”

These limiting thoughts are created from the dysfunctional society that we live in and the upbringing that we had. At a young age, we were taught “how” to live. These beliefs were formed through the messages that came from our parents, our friends (and bullies), our teachers, society, our culture, the media, TV etc.

Here are the 7 most common limiting beliefs that may be blocking your success and how you can overcome them:

Limiting Belief #1: I am not good enough.

If you are constantly criticizing yourself or working on yourself to make yourself better, you are sending a message out that don’t believe in your ability to attract health, wealth and the success you deserve.

If you expect to never get what you want in life, that is exactly what you will get.

Change your mindset by believing that you are deserving of all the good things you want, then meditate on that. Feel it, imagine it and visualize it. For example: if you want to start a new lifestyle, imagine how good you feel when you wake up in the morning… what it will feel like to be her/him. Step into that version of you.

Even if you have a lot to learn, realize that is what keeps life interesting.

Limiting Belief #2: I have to step back so that others can be abundant.

Sometimes you suffer so much that you aren’t helping yourself – or others. Even if you make it easier for others to be abundant, you can’t MAKE them abundant.

While they may have gifts you don’t, you also have gifts that no one else has. When you shut yourself off from those gifts, you deprive everyone around you, including yourself.

When you place others first and take on too much, it’s normal to feel resentment, helpless, overwhelmed, frustrated and lonely.

You can overcome this limiting belief by practising loving kindness towards yourself. Find your place in life, and own your story. Be open-hearted and connect without losing yourself. Take time to relax and enjoy the comforts of life. You deserve it.

Limiting Belief #3: There isn’t enough for everyone.

You might feel that there isn’t enough for everyone and so you have to rush to take what belongs to you. Or you might believe that there isn’t enough for you, so you can’t have what you want.

This can apply to anything: money, time, jobs, single men/women etc.

Often the limiting belief that there isn’t enough for everyone comes from fear. You will most likely wonder – How will you get the money? How will you meet him? etc.

Every time you say or think that there isn’t enough, that is exactly what you will not have – enough.

You have the power to change that! It’s your choice to believe and have faith that you WILL have enough, and don’t worry about the rest or competing with others. Focus on your journey. You will enjoy life a lot more.

Limiting Belief #4: I have to seek approval from others.

Every time you seek approval from someone else, you’re blocking your natural attractiveness and you’re not allowing yourself to know what it is you truly want from life. When you are your true self, life just works better. You naturally draw people to you who realize how awesome you are. If you are your true fearless self, you will attract opportunities to you.

Limiting Belief #5: I have to be who I’m expected to be.

It’s draining and overwhelming to have to always meet others expectations. You might feel resentful, guilty or trapped. You may act out with addictions (food, extra weight, financial debt, alcohol etc.).

You have to realize that the life you are living is a life you had a part in creating. If you focus on sacrificing yourself to meeting others expectations, you will continue to create a life where you have to place others first or you have to make up for not being good enough.

It’s time to take back your power! Your value lies in who you ARE, not in another’s expectations.

You can overcome this by being putting yourself first. Don’t be scared to be selfish with your heart and to invest in yourself. When you fill yourself up, you will give from a place of overflow. Find ways to express yourself – dance, arts, music, saying yes/no. Let go of the rules and follow our inner guidance. Give yourself space to heal emotionally and physically if you need it.

Limiting Belief #6: I have to work hard to succeed.

It’s true that you have to take action to achieve your dreams, but it shouldn’t feel like a burden, time pressure or an invisible force keeping you stuck where you are.

If you expect to work hard to be successful, odds are that is exactly what you will have to do.

Overcome this limiting belief by focusing on the actions that are in alignment with your goals. The more you enjoy them, the more opportunities will open up for you and everything will fall into place.

Limiting Belief #7: It has to be like this.

When you think or say that something has to be a certain way, its a sign of a limiting belief.

This belief also comes up if you think you’re the only one who knows how to do something or if you think your way is the only way. They are limiting beliefs focused on control.

You probably notice a lot of tension in your body, you may be suppressing your emotions or holding back, or you’re constantly watching what either you or others are doing.

You can overcome this limiting belief by seeing life as one big party where the only thing expected of you is to have fun and be joyful. Be open to any help and opportunities that are sent your way to help you reach your dreams and goals. Listen to your intuition to show you the best thing to do at any moment.

But most of all, relax, have fun and faith… it will all work out… trust the process.

2 Comments

Riëtteon March 27, 2018 at 12:48 pm

This hits hard when you know where you fit into, and I think we all fit in here somewhere…but also provides a way to overcome. So after having a gentle confrontation there is immediate support. One of the best written pieces I’ve read in a while. Thank you.